Secondary Admissions Components

Personal statement and letter

In addition to grades and identification, applicants must also provide a personal statement and community letter of reference. Details are as follows:

a. Personal statement
Your personal statement should include your name, what community you come from, and your answers to the following questions:

(i) Tell us why you are applying to the Medical Sciences program. Include in your answer what excites you about the program and how you think the program will contribute to your long-term goals. (You may wish to consult the  other areas of this Medical Sciences website.)

(ii) In what areas do you anticipate you will excel in the Medical Sciences program? In what areas do you feel you may struggle and why?

(iii) Tell us about an experience, in school or out, that taught you something about yourself and/or the world around you.

b. Community letter of reference
Your letter of reference must be a 1-2-page letter from an individual who is familiar with and can comment on your link to the Mi’kmaw, Maliseet, and/or African Nova Scotian community. This may come from a Chief, health director, community council or committee member, community leader, religious leader, teacher, guidance counsellor, principal, or another academic individual who knows you well. Letters will not be accepted by immediate family members but can come from extended family.

Guidelines for referees
In addition to stating the applicant’s link to the community, please comment on the following (including examples), if relevant and if you can assess:

• Community Involvement: identifies with a community, is involved in community work
• Leadership skills: leadership in any area: church, sports, non-educational groups, etc.
• Communication/interpersonal skills
• Professionalism/respect for others
• Positive self-concept: demonstrates confidence, strength of character, determination, and independence
• Realistic self-appraisal: Recognizes and accepts any academic or background deficiencies and works hard at self-development
• One area where you think improvement is needed and whether this may be a barrier to their success in the program
• Any other information you feel would be relevant to the Medical Sciences admissions committee

Important Deadline Information

General Application deadline February 15

Secondary Admission Components deadline: Those applicants wishing to be considered for the IPMP initiative can submit their secondary admission components after the February 15 deadline to be considered for one of the 20 reserved seats.   

Applicants seeking admissions consideration through the IPMP initiative should be aware that the admissions committee meets regularly throughout the year to make offers to qualified applicants. A late request for admissions consideration will be reviewed, provided there are still available seats.